Edward Davey MP - Press releases

Issued by: Keith Reed
Embargo: Immediate, 07/09/99

Davey demands action on drains

"The Borough’s drain network is reaching crisis point" – Edward Davey MP

Following the heavy hail and rainstorm the Borough witnessed over the weekend, Edward Davey MP had been contacted local residents whose homes were flooded due to the unusual downpour. The Springfield area in Kingston experienced particularly widespread flooding with local hotel guests and many residents badly effected.

It has also emerged that this recent surge in complaints appears to be the peak of a growing trend of discontented residents concerned at the Borough’s poor drainage system. Ageing drains and street gutters are now regularly struggling to cope with above average rainfall. As a result, Mr Davey has written to the Chief Executive of Thames Water and the Council to encourage them to work together to resolve this increasingly common and damaging problem.

Commenting on the recent floods, Mr Davey said,

"This flooding can’t just be blamed on the weather. It’s becoming obvious that the Borough needs improvements to the drainage system so it can cope with ordinary storms, not just freak downpours."

"Many constituents who have contacted me over the weekend have been repeatedly flooded after much less severe storms."

"It is time that Thames Water and the Council realised that this is a significant problem which needs their urgent attention."

"The buck passing must stop now!"

ENDS

Strip for Shelter

Issued by: Keith Reed
Embargo: Immediate, 07/09/99

"Strip for Shelter"

On 24 September, Edward Davey MP will be joining thousands of people nationwide by casting aside his ordinary work clothes to wear his K’s football strip to support Shelter’s exciting new fundraising initiative ‘Strip for Shelter’.

Shelter hope that one million people will take part nationwide by wearing their favourite football strips into work, college or school and making a £2 donation to Shelter (50p in the case of school children.)

Edward said:

"Strip for Shelter will be a lot of fun, but there is a very serious message behind it. The money raised will be used to fund the services Shelter provide to help homeless and badly housed residents."

"With over 400 000 people accepted as homeless last year, enough to fill the Ks’ Kingsmeadow Stadium almost 90 times over, these services are critical for helping people who are often in desperate circumstances."

I know how important Shelter’s service is because I have referred constituents to it as a source of easily accessible information and advice. Considering its importance, I hope that everyone will get behind this initiative."

Ends

Surbiton's parking problems

Issued by: Keith Reed
Embargo: Immediate, 07/09/1999

"Surbiton’s parking problems endangering residents’ lives" – Edward Davey

MP slams Surbiton Neighbourhood’s inaction over Fire Officer’s safety fears.

Edward Davey MP has this week backed local fire chiefs’ concerns about safety in Surbiton and has written to the Chair of Surbiton Neighbourhood demanding the Council take the necessary urgent action.

Local residents of Browns Road, Surbiton had told Mr Davey of their fears that fire engines could not access their road. When Kingston Council dismissed their concerns Mr Davey wrote to the LFCDA for their views and has learnt that local fire officers have themselves been concerned about Browns Road for some time because parking problems sometimes make this road inaccessible to fire appliances. Mr Davey believes this is a particular worry since a residential home for the elderly is located in the road.

Commenting on the safety fears, Mr Davey said,

"This is not a new problem, yet Surbiton Neighbourhood has failed to tackle it or even make it a priority. Even though Surbiton’s chief fire officer raised the issue with the Council in July he has not received a response despite its urgency."

"Surbiton’s Station Commander is concerned that problems exist now which may prevent his team from easily attending a fire in the area."

"It seems some councillors have different priorities, yet safety ought to be at the top of the list. I think it would be wise for Surbiton’s councillors to refocus their attention on this pressing problem which is endangering local residents’ lives."

Ends

Text of letter to Chair of Surbiton Neighbourhood

I am extremely concerned about the potential dangers posed to Surbiton’s residents resulting from the Fire Brigade’s inability to access certain residential streets.

I am particularly concerned about problems in Browns Road, Surbiton, though there are other roads to which your committee should be paying attention.

I enclose a copy of the letter I have recently received from the LFCDA which shows that the local station commander is also worried about Browns Road. However, Surbiton Neighbourhood has so far failed to take any action.

I would therefore be grateful if you and your colleagues could consider this matter at your earliest possible convenience and take the necessary action as a matter of urgency.

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